
Scientists around the world are monitoring the spread of bird flu in mammals, keeping a watchful eye for possible transmission of the spread to humans. The risk of human cases from bird flu, an infection with pandemic potential, is still considered low, according to experts.
However, spread to mammals is a concern as they are evolutionarily closer to humans, making it easier for the virus to adapt to infect humans.
Concern among bird flu experts has been revived in recent weeks, with one human case in the US and the spread of a strain of the virus to livestock on farms in at least six states.
These infections represent the first widespread outbreak of bird flu in cows, prompting experts to closely monitor the disease.
The spread of cases on farms is worrisome because people often come into contact with livestock in these settings, giving the virus a chance to spread.